Mercedes-Benz S550 Recall 08V122000

Internal Failure of Front Interior Control Module

(RepairPal Expert Overview)

Our Quick Take:

An internal fault with the module that controls certain vehicle functions may cause it to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

What Should You Do?

This should be considered a high priority recall; the affected interior control module could fail without warning. Please contact your Mercedes-Benz dealer; they will check to see if your specific vehicle is affected and advise you on what to do next. Always have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy when you call.

Summary:

Transistors used in the front signal acquisition and actuation module (SAM-F) may have been damaged during module assembly. As a result, the module could fail without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the affected modules as necessary. This recall is scheduled to begin on May 2, 2008. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 030005.

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING 3,283 MY 2008 S-CLASS AND CL-CLASS PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR ON THE SIGNAL ACQUISITION AND ACTUATION MODULE-FRONT (SAM-F) TRANSISTORS. THE SAM-F IS A DOUBLE TRANSISTOR THAT HELPS CONTROL VEHICLE FUNCTIONS AND THE LIGHTING OF THE CENTER CONSOLE. INCORRECT STORAGE OF THE TRANSISTORS LED THE TRANSISTORS TO BE EXPOSED TO EXCESS HUMIDITY.

Consequence:

THE PRESENCE OF THIS MOISTURE IN COMBINATION WITH THE THERMAL STRESS DURING THE "REFLOW SOLDERING" MAY DAMAGE THE TRANSISTORS AND PREVENT THEM FROM PROPERLY FUNCTIONING WHICH WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL POTENTIALLY AFFECTED SAM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 2, 2008. OWNER MAY CONTACT MERCEDES BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.